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If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident and you’re planning to file a personal injury claim, you need to consider your next steps carefully. Even a minor misstep could be enough to leave you on the back foot throughout proceedings.  

While the exact actions you should take after suffering a serious injury will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your case, there are a few errors you should almost always avoid. In this article, we take a closer look at some of these common mistakes:

You Didn’t Report the Accident

If you’re hoping to recover compensation for your injuries, you will need records of the accident to help tie your injuries to the fall. As such, it should be a top priority to report the slip and fall to a staff member or the property owner. They will usually compile a record of the incident, giving you a literal paper trail logging the time, date, and location of the accident.  

You Didn’t Gather Evidence at the Scene 

A convincing case is almost always built on a bedrock of compelling evidence. In a slip and fall case, much of the proof you might need to support your claim can be found right there at the accident scene.  

However, you will need to act quickly as much of this evidence is time-sensitive and may no longer be available a few weeks, days, or even hours after the incident. From taking pictures of the hazard that caused the fall to obtaining copies of surveillance camera footage of the incident, any proof you are able to gather immediately after the accident could be crucial to the success of your case. 

You Didn’t Seek Medical Treatment

After suffering an injury in a slip and fall, you should visit the doctor as soon as possible. Not only will this ensure that a potentially serious condition doesn’t go undiagnosed, but this will also give you access to records documenting important details about your injuries.  

Additionally, failing to seek medical treatment within a reasonable timeframe after an accident can often lead to disputes. For instance, the insurance company might argue that your injuries can’t be very serious as you didn’t require prompt medical attention,

You Didn’t Lay Low on Social Media

In today’s digital age, discussing every aspect of our lives on social media has almost become second nature. As such, you might be tempted to post about the incident online, sharing the grisly details with your friends and followers.  

However, your social media activity could hurt your chances of recovering fair compensation. Insurance adjusters routinely monitor claimants’ social media feeds for any evidence that could be used to challenge their credibility. As such, whether it’s a post discussing the accident, pictures, or even “check ins”, you need to be careful about what you share. In most cases, it’s best to deactivate your social media profiles for the duration of proceedings. 

Speak to a California Slip and Fall Attorney Today 

Were you hurt on someone else’s property? You might have grounds to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.  

At Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, we can help investigate the incident, gather the necessary evidence to support your claim, and provide tailored representation throughout proceedings. Contact us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or tap through to our contact page HERE to request a free case review with a California slip and fall attorney.